Thousands rally at Texas Capitol over abortion restrictions

Republicans and anti-abortion activists Tuesday tried to regain control of the contentious debate in the Legislature as a House panel heard passionate testimony late into the night on a sweeping package designed to limit the procedure.

July 3, 2013 12:22 AM

Photo: Tom Reel/San Antonio Express-News

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Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters. less

Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State... Photo-4898098.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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DPS troopers hang out in the hallways as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

DPS troopers hang out in the hallways as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

DPS troopers hang out in the hallways as supporters of both sides... Photo-4898099.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Kristen Adams (left) and Dara Silverman with their turn to speak in front of the special committee as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Kristen Adams (left) and Dara Silverman with their turn to speak in front of the special committee as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears ... more

Jessica Davis (left) kneels to pray with her rosary as Julie Ann Nitsch (right) and Pamela Whitehead argue as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Jessica Davis (left) kneels to pray with her rosary as Julie Ann Nitsch (right) and Pamela Whitehead argue as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee ... more

Julie Ann Nitsch (right) and Pamela Whitehead argue as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Julie Ann Nitsch (right) and Pamela Whitehead argue as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Caitlin Austin screams with her fellow protestors in an effort to overcome speakers in opposition as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Caitlin Austin screams with her fellow protestors in an effort to overcome speakers in opposition as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears ... more

Representative Jose Menendez D-San Antonio questions Representative Jodie Laubenberg R-Parker as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Representative Jose Menendez D-San Antonio questions Representative Jodie Laubenberg R-Parker as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony ... more

Representative Helen Giddings D-DeSoto questions Representative Jodie Laubenberg as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Representative Helen Giddings D-DeSoto questions Representative Jodie Laubenberg as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate ... more

The first public speaker < Ellen Cooper , appears before the panel as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

The first public speaker < Ellen Cooper , appears before the panel as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July ... more

Protestors watch speakers as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Protestors watch speakers as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

Protestors watch speakers as supporters of both sides of the issue... Photo-4898110.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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DPS officers wait in the hallways as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

DPS officers wait in the hallways as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

DPS officers wait in the hallways as supporters of both sides of... Photo-4898111.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Committee chairman Byron Cook R- Corsicana starts the proceedings as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Committee chairman Byron Cook R- Corsicana starts the proceedings as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, ... more

Ashley Granger speaks to a crowd in favor of abortion legislation as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Ashley Granger speaks to a crowd in favor of abortion legislation as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Ashley Granger speaks to a crowd in favor of abortion legislation as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Ashley Granger speaks to a crowd in favor of abortion legislation as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

DPS officers watch as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

DPS officers watch as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

DPS officers watch as supporters of both sides of the issue fill... Photo-4898116.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Those in favor of the legislation hold a speaking rally as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Those in favor of the legislation hold a speaking rally as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

Those in favor of the legislation hold a speaking rally as... Photo-4898117.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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DPS officers remain on the sidelines as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

DPS officers remain on the sidelines as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

DPS officers remain on the sidelines as supporters of both sides of... Photo-4898118.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Daniel Wallach pulls his shirt over his eyes as he chants with a group trying to overcome speakers for the opposing side as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Daniel Wallach pulls his shirt over his eyes as he chants with a group trying to overcome speakers for the opposing side as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special ... more

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

Daniel Wallach pulls his shirt over his eyes as he chants with a... Photo-4898119.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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A DPS officers gives directions as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

A DPS officers gives directions as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

A DPS officers gives directions as supporters of both sides of the... Photo-4898120.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Jennifer Martinez, from San Antonio, fights tears as she speaks about an abortion she experienced as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Jennifer Martinez, from San Antonio, fights tears as she speaks about an abortion she experienced as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears ... more

DPS officers wait on the side as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

DPS officers wait on the side as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

DPS officers wait on the side as supporters of both sides of the... Photo-4898122.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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DPS officers watch the crowd as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

DPS officers watch the crowd as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

DPS officers watch the crowd as supporters of both sides of the... Photo-4898123.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Protestors move to a different location in the building as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Protestors move to a different location in the building as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

Protestors move to a different location in the building as... Photo-4898124.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Caitlin Austin screams with her fellow protestors in an effort to overcome speakers in opposition as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears testimony on Senate Bill 2 on July 1, 2013. less

Caitlin Austin screams with her fellow protestors in an effort to overcome speakers in opposition as supporters of both sides of the issue fill the Capitol building in Austin as a special committee hears ... more

Sen. Wendy Davis, D- Fort Worth, speaks during a rally against abortion legislation, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up contentious abortion restrictions bill and other issues. less

Sen. Wendy Davis, D- Fort Worth, speaks during a rally against abortion legislation, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up contentious ... more

Democrat state senators, from left, Kirk Watson, Wendy Davis, Leticia Van de Putte and Royce West participate in a pro-abortion rights rally at the state Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Monday July 1, 2013. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up contentious abortion restrictions bill and other issues.

Democrat state senators, from left, Kirk Watson, Wendy Davis, Leticia Van de Putte and Royce West participate in a pro-abortion rights rally at the state Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Monday July 1, 2013. The

Protestors against and for the Texas legislation abortion bill gather at the State Capitol for the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Protestors against and for the Texas legislation abortion bill gather at the State Capitol for the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Protestors against and for the Texas legislation abortion bill... Photo-4898129.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, right, and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio wave to the crowd during the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters at the start of the second legislative special session. less

Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, right, and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio wave to the crowd during the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion ... more

Senator Wendy Davis, third from left, smiles as she is introduced as the main speaker at the Stand With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters. less

Senator Wendy Davis, third from left, smiles as she is introduced as the main speaker at the Stand With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Senator Wendy Davis, third from left, smiles as she is introduced... Photo-4898131.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Anti Texas legislation abortion bill protestors, in orange, and those for the bill in blue, gather at the State Capitol for the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Anti Texas legislation abortion bill protestors, in orange, and those for the bill in blue, gather at the State Capitol for the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Under a portrait of the late Governor Ann Richards, anti Texas legislation abortion bill protestors gather at the State Capitol for the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Under a portrait of the late Governor Ann Richards, anti Texas legislation abortion bill protestors gather at the State Capitol for the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Under a portrait of the late Governor Ann Richards, anti Texas... Photo-4898134.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Senator Wendy Davis is the main speaker during the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters. less

Senator Wendy Davis is the main speaker during the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Senator Wendy Davis is the main speaker during the Stand Up With... Photo-4898135.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters. less

Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State... Photo-4898136.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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A pair of Mizuno sneakers are place a top a flag at the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters. The sneakers were similar to the ones used by Senator Wendy Davis during her Texas Senate filibuster last Tuesday. less

A pair of Mizuno sneakers are place a top a flag at the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

A pair of Mizuno sneakers are place a top a flag at the Stand Up... Photo-4898137.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters.

Thousands are drawn to the Stand Up With Texas Women Rally at... Photo-4898138.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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An anti-abortion supporter carries a cross as he enters the Texas capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up a contentious abortion restrictions bill and other issues. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

An anti-abortion supporter carries a cross as he enters the Texas capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up a contentious ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

An anti-abortion supporter carries a cross as he enters the Texas... Photo-4898139.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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A pro-life supporters wear tape with the message "life" as they stand in the rotunda of the Texas capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up the contentious abortion restrictions bill and other issues. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

A pro-life supporters wear tape with the message "life" as they stand in the rotunda of the Texas capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session ... more

Sen. Wendy Davis, D- Fort Worth, speaks during a rally against abortion legislation, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up contentious abortion restrictions bill and other issues. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

Sen. Wendy Davis, D- Fort Worth, speaks during a rally against abortion legislation, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The Texas Senate has convened for a new 30-day special session to take up contentious ... more

Actress Lisa Edelstein pumps up the crowd during the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at the State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The Texas Legislature convened for a second special session to take up a controversial anti-abortion bill. less

Actress Lisa Edelstein pumps up the crowd during the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at the State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The Texas Legislature convened for a second special session to take up a ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Actress Lisa Edelstein pumps up the crowd during the Stand Up For... Photo-4898142.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Senator Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, hugs Annabelle Garcia, sister of Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio in back, after the Texas Legislature adjourned on the first day of a second special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. Davis was expressing her condolences for the death of Daniel San Miguel, father of the sisters. less

Senator Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, hugs Annabelle Garcia, sister of Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio in back, after the Texas Legislature adjourned on the first day of a second special session, Monday, ... more

Thousands of supporters attend the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second legislative special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally was in protest against a controversial anti-abortion bill. less

Thousands of supporters attend the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at State Capitol before the start of the second legislative special session, Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally was in protest against a ... more

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and daughter the late Gov. Ann Richards, speaks at the Stand Up for Texas Women Rally at State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion legislation rally drew thousands of supporters. less

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and daughter the late Gov. Ann Richards, speaks at the Stand Up for Texas Women Rally at State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The ... more

Natalie Atwater, 21, of Austin, arrives early for the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at the State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion rally drew thousands of protestors at the start of the second legislative special session. less

Natalie Atwater, 21, of Austin, arrives early for the Stand Up For Texas Women Rally at the State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. The anti-abortion rally drew thousands of protestors at the start of the second ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Natalie Atwater, 21, of Austin, arrives early for the Stand Up For... Photo-4898147.66028 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Supporters of a controversial anti-abortion bill gather at the steps of the State Capitol and pray the Rosary before the start of the second legislative especial session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Supporters of a controversial anti-abortion bill gather at the steps of the State Capitol and pray the Rosary before the start of the second legislative especial session, Monday, July 1, 2013.

Matt Benavides, with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, holds a crucifix while leading a group of an anti-abortion bill supporters at the State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. It was the start of the second legislative special session. less

Matt Benavides, with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, holds a crucifix while leading a group of an anti-abortion bill supporters at the State Capitol, Monday, July 1, 2013. It was the start of the second ... more